Support the SAVE/Victorian Society Planning Application for Smithfield General Market and Annex!

Our alternative scheme for Smithfield General Market and Annex involves no demolition and is based on a business plan from Urban Space Management, who transformed Camden Lock, and Spitalfields Market from empty heritage buildings with zero occupancy into thriving, vibrant cultural destinations.

SUPPORT OUR SCHEME! Please write to Planning Officer Gemma Delves at the City of London on gemma.delves@cityoflondon.gov.uk Please quote Planning Application Number 13/01151/FULL

It would be helpful if you stressed that you support our scheme because it is conservation-led, will enhance the Smithfield conservation area, is viable and is the most sensitive way to bring these underused buildings back to life.

The SAVE/Victorian Society scheme, drawn up by John Burrell of Burrell, Foley, Fischer, will save the General Market and its unique interiors and handsome top-lit market halls for the nation and create a new bustling hub in the heart of London.

Smithfield General Market was built in the late 19th Century by City Surveyor Sir Horace Jones, architect of Billingsgate and Leadenhall markets and Tower Bridge. Together with the meat and poultry markets the General Market makes up the grandest procession of market buildings in Europe. It is a public asset, owned by the City of London Corporation. They have let it lie empty and largely unused for some 15 years.

In February (11th - 28th) there will be a Public Inquiry into the future of Smithfield General Market and stunning Annex building. This will determine whether Henderson Global Investors will be able to demolish most of the site and build two large office blocks.

The Public Inquiry is being fought by SAVE Britain's Heritage and the Victorian Society against the GLA, the City of London and Henderson Global Investors. The Secretary of State called it in for Public Inquiry in September this year.

English Heritage, in a volte face, are supporting the Henderson scheme saying that it does not cause 'substantial harm' to the Smithfield conservation area, although they opposed the demolition of the General Market in a previous public inquiry.

SAVE Britain's Heritage has been campaigning for historic buildings since its formation in 1975 by a group of architects, journalists and planners. It is a strong, independent voice in conservation, free to respond rapidly to emergencies and to speak out loud for the historic built environment.